Pride Celebrations Around the World
As Pride Month approaches, typically celebrated in June, it is important to remember that Pride events are not confined to a single 30-day period. These events often coincide with a region’s history of LGBTQ+ equal rights movements, resulting in diverse celebration timelines around the globe.
1. Provincetown’s MemDay Weekend Women’s Festival
When: May 23-27
Provincetown, Massachusetts, holds the picturesque backdrop of this event, celebrating LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary and transgender individuals. MemDay Ptown, organized by LesbianNightLife, is considered the largest lesbian takeover in the country.
Events include the MoonLit Pool Party and the Freedom Boat Cruise. For singles, the Single & Social Pass offers speed dating, coffee meetups, and tea dances.
Provincetown is accessible via a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Boston, costing approximately $108-$120 round-trip.
2. Berlin Pride
When: June 28-July 28
Berlin, Germany, renowned for its acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, hosts a vibrant and inclusive Pride celebration. One of the highlights is the Christopher Day Street Parade, where up to 750,000 people march through the city.
Beyond festivities, Berlin Pride also engages in political action, spearheading campaigns and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
3. Amsterdam Pride
When: August 2-4
The International LGBT+ Travel Association hails Amsterdam Pride as “one of the greatest gay events in the world.” It features street parties, circuit dance parties, and the captivating parade of boats through Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-recognized canals.
In 2026, Amsterdam will host WorldPride, an even more significant landmark event.
4. Taiwan Pride
When: October 24-27
Taiwan Pride holds the distinction as the largest LGBTQ+ Pride event in East Asia, with an estimated 176,000 participants in 2023. Taiwan’s significance as the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019 contributes to the event’s importance.
While attending Taiwan Pride, consider exploring Taipei’s other attractions, such as Elephant Mountain, a nearby hike offering panoramic city views.
5. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
When: February/March
Australia’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, spans approximately two weeks in February and March. This coincides with the end of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, providing an opportunity for international travelers to enjoy warm weather during winter months.
The Mardi Gras parade showcases 12,500 marchers, 200 floats, and 250,000 spectators, along with performances by renowned musicians like Dua Lipa and Cher.
For a combined Pride and beach experience, attend the Bondi Beach Party, a dance party at Bondi Beach with 15,000 revelers.
6. Cape Town Pride in South Africa
When: March
While smaller in scale compared to other events on this list, Cape Town Pride stands out as a significant celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride in Africa, a continent where homosexuality remains illegal in over 30 countries.
Apart from Pride festivities, Cape Town offers scenic attractions such as Lion’s Head hiking, visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach, and enjoying Camps Bay’s beaches.
Tips for Saving When You Travel to LGBTQ+ Events
* Explore Pride Month hotel packages with discounts and perks.
* Take advantage of early bird discounts for paid events by booking tickets in advance.
* Utilize rewards programs and credit card points to offset travel expenses.
By planning effectively, you can save while celebrating Pride and embracing the vibrant LGBTQ+ communities around the world.